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Sharma's candidature was challenged in the election office by the state opposition Congress.

A substitute or a covering candidate is fielded by every political party as a backup in case the candidature of the main nominee is rejected after scrutiny.

Sharma, 60, the outgoing Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP, on April 24 filed his nomination papers for a second term.

"I am told by the party three-four days back to file the nomination papers. Since the process to file the nomination takes time, so I filed it today," Thakur, who defended the borders as Commanding Officer of 18 Grenadiers in Indian Army, told IANS.